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Ampeg Shrinks The SVT
Ampeg Shrinks The SVT
New SVT Micro Head and SVT-210AV enclosure
Since its introduction in 1969, no other bass amplifier in the pantheon of rock gear has generated the same sense of awe, respect and sheer lust as the original Ampeg SVT, which belted out 300 thunderous watts of all-tube, booty-shakin' sonic goodness. Now, nearly four decades later, Ampeg is introducing a miniature version of the legendary amplifier, known as the SVT Micro Head (£339 street price), in a size typically better suited for smaller venues and recording studios where a ginormous SVT rig would be both too large and loud.
Resplendent in the classic SVT attire - including the silver face, black tolex, chrome corners and silver-blue grille cloth - the Ampeg SVT Micro Head is no mere plaything. Despite its diminutive size (5.5" H x 12" W x 10" D), the head boasts a real Ampeg preamp and 150 watts of RMS solid-state power. 
For recording sessions, the SVT Micro Head has an auxiliary stereo input that is mixed with the main input and drives the headphone output. This allows the player to listen to a click or guide track while simultaneously recording both direct, through the "preamp out" jack, and using a microphone on the speaker. For live situations, the familiar Ampeg preamp controls - 15dB pad, gain, bass, ultra-mid, treble, volume and limiter defeat - allow the player to dial in a great sound quickly and easily. The universally compatible switching supply and compact size furthermore allow traveling musicians to go anywhere without worrying about what backline awaits at the venue.
In tandem with the launch of the SVT Micro Head, Ampeg is also simultaneously introducing the SVT-210AV (£259 street price) loudspeaker enclosure, the portable alternative to a full-sized SVT cabinet. Featuring the classic Ampeg style and sound, the SVT-210AV houses two 10-inch Eminence speakers in a compact (24" H x 13" W x 11" D) sealed cabinet rated to deliver 200 watts at four ohms. Weighing in at approximately 30 pounds, the new cabinet is more than a little bit easier on the back than its refrigerator-sized, 165-pound big brother, the SVT-810AV.
Ampeg SVT Micro Head and SVT-210AV
Ideal for bleed-sensitive recording situations where the SVT-810AV can be too loud and live situations where it's too large, the Ampeg SVT-210AV can be matched - as a single cabinet or pair - with the SVT Micro Head to create the ultimate small bass rig.
"We're the first to admit that the new SVT Micro rig is cute, but it shouldn't be lost that this is a real Ampeg and a real, professional amplifier," said Paul Meisenzahl, LOUD Technologies director of product development. "It's the result of input from our artists and Ampeg customers who've been asking for a modular, portable and usable live/recording system that fits into a lot spaces, is easy to move around and delivers our signature tone."
The Ampeg SVT Micro Head and SVT-210AV Cab will be available in the UK autumn 2008.